iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored ring of tissue at the front of the eye. It is commonly discussed as a type of anterior uveitis (inflammation in the front part of the uvea). Clinicians use the term in eye exams, medical records, and referral notes to describe a specific pattern of intraocular inflammation. Patients often encounter it when researching causes of a painful, light-sensitive red eye.

panuveitis is inflammation that involves the front, middle, and back parts of the uvea. In plain terms, it means inflammation inside the eye that affects multiple internal layers. The term is commonly used in eye clinics to describe a uveitis pattern and guide evaluation.

posterior uveitis is inflammation that affects the back (posterior) part of the eye. It typically involves the retina, choroid, and/or vitreous, which are key tissues for vision. It is a clinical diagnosis used by eye care professionals when back-of-the-eye inflammation is suspected or confirmed. It matters because inflammation in these tissues can affect central and peripheral vision.

intermediate uveitis is a type of eye inflammation that mainly affects the vitreous (the clear gel inside the eye) and the far peripheral retina. It is part of the broader group of conditions called uveitis, meaning inflammation inside the eye. People often notice floaters or blurry vision rather than severe eye pain. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology to describe where the inflammation is located and to guide evaluation and monitoring.

anterior uveitis is inflammation inside the front part of the eye. It mainly involves the iris (the colored ring) and the adjacent tissue called the ciliary body. It is commonly discussed in eye clinics when evaluating a painful red eye, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. It is also a core topic in ophthalmology and optometry because it can be linked to systemic (whole-body) inflammatory or infectious conditions.

uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that primarily involves the uvea (the middle, vascular layer of the eye). In everyday terms, it refers to internal eye inflammation that can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry to describe where the inflammation is located and how severe it is. It is also used to guide diagnostic workups and to plan monitoring for possible complications.

submacular hemorrhage is bleeding that collects under the macula, the central area of the retina used for detailed vision. It can cause sudden central blur, distortion, or a dark spot in the middle of vision. In clinical care, it is a diagnosis and an exam finding that helps explain acute vision loss. It is commonly discussed in retina clinics, emergency eye evaluations, and imaging reports (such as OCT).

retinal tamponade is a way of holding the retina in place from inside the eye. It uses a temporary internal “filler,” such as a gas bubble or silicone oil. It is most commonly used during vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment and related conditions. Its goal is to support healing after the retina has been repaired.

oil removal is a clinical term most commonly used in retina care to describe taking silicone oil out of the eye. Silicone oil may be placed during vitreoretinal surgery to support the retina while it heals. oil removal is typically performed as a planned follow-up procedure when the eye is stable enough. It can also be done earlier if the oil is causing problems such as high eye pressure or inflammation.

silicone oil is a clear, synthetic, medical-grade fluid used inside the eye in certain retinal surgeries. It most commonly serves as a temporary “internal bandage” to help keep the retina in place while it heals. In eye care, it is mainly associated with vitreoretinal surgery (surgery involving the vitreous and retina). It is different from cosmetic or industrial silicone products and is prepared for medical use.

C3F8 is the chemical formula for perfluoropropane, an inert fluorinated gas. In eye care, C3F8 is most commonly used as a temporary “gas bubble” placed inside the eye. It is used mainly in retinal (vitreoretinal) surgery to help support healing tissues. It is not a medication you take by mouth or as an everyday eye drop.

SF6 is sulfur hexafluoride, a colorless, inert gas. In eye care, SF6 is most commonly used as a temporary “gas bubble” inside the eye during certain retinal surgeries. Its main role is to support healing tissues by gently pressing on the retina from the inside. It is used by retina specialists in operating rooms and procedure settings.

gas tamponade is the use of a temporary gas bubble placed inside the eye. The bubble acts like an internal “splint” that supports healing tissues. It is most commonly used during or after retinal surgery, especially vitrectomy. Over time, the gas is absorbed naturally and is replaced by the eye’s own fluid.

perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a clear, heavy liquid used inside the eye during certain retinal surgeries. It helps surgeons gently position and stabilize delicate retinal tissue. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal (retina and vitreous) operating rooms, not as an everyday eye drop or medication. It is typically placed temporarily and then removed during the same operation.

endolaser is a type of laser treatment delivered from inside the eye during surgery. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal surgery (operations on the vitreous and retina). The laser energy is applied through a thin handheld probe to treat retinal disease or injury. In simple terms, endolaser helps surgeons “spot-weld” or reduce abnormal activity in retinal tissue.

An ILM peel is a surgical step where the internal limiting membrane (ILM) is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. The ILM is the retina’s innermost “thin film” that faces the gel (vitreous) inside the eye. ILM peel is most commonly performed during vitrectomy (retinal surgery) for macular conditions. It is used to reduce traction and help stabilize or improve the macula’s shape and function.

A membrane peel is an eye surgery step where a thin layer of tissue is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. It is most commonly performed during vitreoretinal surgery for conditions affecting the macula (the central retina used for fine vision). In plain terms, it is “peeling off” a film that is wrinkling or pulling on the retina. The goal is usually to reduce traction (pulling forces) and support more stable retinal anatomy.

27-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery performed with very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from inside the eye through tiny openings. It is commonly used to treat problems at the back of the eye, including the retina and macula. The “27-gauge” label refers to instrument size, not a diagnosis.

25-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. The “25-gauge” label refers to the thin diameter of the surgical tools and entry ports.

23-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments (23-gauge) to work inside the eye. It is most often performed as a pars plana vitrectomy, meaning the surgeon enters through the white part of the eye near the colored iris without going through the cornea. The goal is typically to remove some or all of the vitreous gel and treat problems affecting the retina and macula. It is commonly used in modern retinal surgery because the smaller instrument size can allow smaller incisions.